Spine Bender is a website of disparate substance. I’m working on getting my patient advocacy work up and going. Until then, I’m sharing as much of my experience as possible.
Athleticism (and Survival) after a Spinal Fusion: In May of 2007 I underwent a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion of my L5 -S1 (PLIF). This spinal surgery was the result of a motorcycle accident, complicated by progressive scoliosis and spondylolisthesis. Now I have adjacent segment disease in my SI Joints, but my fusion is holding up well in the many years since.
Living with Chronic Pain: I have spinal/SI Joint pain every. single. day. Mindfulness has literally saved my life as I’ve learned how to live with this. I share that journey and the hard-fought lessons I’ve gathered.
Hiking and Being Outdoors with a Spinal Fusion: I’m going to show you all that the outdoors is not closed to you. Yes, things may look a bit different (or not), but hiking is one of my greatest joys. And I can hike far longer distances than I can just…walk (walks hurts physically but hiking somehow hurts less). So, I’m going to share some of the hikes and outdoors adventures as well.
Motherhood: the struggles and rewards of being a working mama; a mama to an amazing daughter who happens to have a cleft and a son who happens to not; a mom who seriously questioned her ability but then is constantly amazing herself; and a parenting partner with (honestly) the best baby daddy (and husband) I could possibly wish for.
Book Reviews (occasionally): Genres of all kinds: Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Non-Fiction, History, Biography, Self-Help. You name it, I’ll review it…maybe.
I work in Marketing and Communications for healthcare tech. I love writing, talking, and discussing the ins and outs of my industry. So, this will occasionally pop up.
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glad to have found your blog! I am considering a minimally invasive TLIF at one level L5-S1. Knowing every back and back surgery is complex and unique in many ways, I am looking for all the info I can on how to stay active post-surgery. I've been spending the majority of my life these past 4 years in my bed, ready to move on!
I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have found this blog. Finally a person discussing spinal fusion on the Internet offering ideas and support for those of us who want to remain active and who are not looking to discuss strategies to apply for disability insurance. Thank you. I had spinal fusion of L4-5 in April mostly for neurological symptoms into my feet. As I tell everyone who asks about my surgery "it was not a miracle" and I will need to live my life differently. I want to do this in a positive active way. I just found your blog today and I will eagerly read it.
You're very kind. I agree...there's not a lot of information about staying active with a fusion! Which is ridiculous because it's so necessary. I hope your recovery is going well. Please let me know if you have requests. I'll try to publish more frequently.
so glad to have come across your blog! i had my spinal fusion in 1999, and just ran my 2nd miserable marathon. i am at that point where i'm wondering if long distance is for me, or what. i love running but would rather run a little and feel good, versus a lot and be miserable after. ya know!
anyway, it's refreshing to see another female out here who has been active post surgery. i had a full fusion for my scoliosis and it is so hard to explain i just don't anymore. i covered my scar with a tattoo because i just wanted to turn the ugly into something at least interesting, lol :)
cheers and thanks for your blog!
Hi Danielle:
Wow! Sounds like we have a lot in common. :) I call my scars my "tramp stamp." I should probably stop doing that.
Congrats on your 2nd marathon. And, yes, sounds like you should cut back on the miles. I've found it more enjoyable to go a shorter distance, but do it faster and faster. You can still push yourself. It's just a little bit different that way. Of course, saying it and actually doing it are two different things. There's definitely a mourning process when you have to give something up. I've had to force myself to allow for that.
Thanks for the comment! Best of luck to you. Let me know how you decide on your running.
-tarah